24 September 2011

Some of the first Condor Legion Junkers Ju-87 dive bombers, or 'Stukas' (Sturzkampfflugzeug), sent to Spain in 1936 to aid the Nationalist cause displayed an emblem comprising a bowler hat pierced by an umbrella. This apparently referred to the civilian nature of the mission--the volunteers of the Condor Legion were considered civilians (during the transfer from Germany by ship, personnel wore civilian clothes), despite taking part in acts of war. In the event the emblem in question did not satisfy the German High Command who ordered its removal.